You'll Never Walk Alone

Rafa Benitez has warned his Liverpool squad that no-one is assured of a place in his side.

The Spaniard is renowned for his rotation policy, but appears to have curbed that habit of late.

With that in mind, he insists that he will resist the temptation to make sweeping changes to a successful side.

That means no place at present for striker Fernando Torres, who has only recently returned from injury.

Last season's top scorer was left on the bench for the Reds' 2-0 win at Bolton on Saturday, only joining the action as a 59th minute substitute.

Benitez believes no player should ever take their place for granted, and insists he will not be altering his stance in the future.

"The players have to compete for their positions in the side, be it Torres or anyone else," he said.

"Torres has to improve, if he does and he is fit then I will decide what to do, although I expect to be criticised.

"I did not have to explain to Fernando why he was not playing, it was very clear. The team had been playing well and he has to compete for his position.

"He played well when he came on, but then other players who come on as substitute also did well, not just him.

"That is the key if you want to have a winning mentality and a winning squad."

Meanwhile, Benitez also aired his frustration at the fact that Torres has now joined up with the Spain squad ahead of their friendly against Chile on Wednesday, despite lacking match fitness.

"Torres will join up with Spain. I am not happy, but I cannot do anything about it. We are talking to international managers and asking them to protect our players," he added.

"We have asked that the Spanish set-up does not take any chances, that they protect the player."